Port of Portland approves subsidy to keep carrier

Hanjin, a South Korean shipping line, has continued to visit Portland despite saying last fall it would end service in January because of increased terminal charges and reduced productivity.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Port of Portland commissioners have approved an incentive program to keep Hanjin Shipping from abandoning the city.

The commissioners voted Wednesday to pay Hanjin and other carriers $20 per container moved through Portland.

The South Korean shipping line has continued to visit Portland despite saying last fall it would end service in January because of increased terminal charges and reduced productivity.

Hanjin is responsible for more than 75 percent of the container volume at the port’s Terminal 6. From farmers to Fred Meyer, many Northwest businesses use the terminal and their costs will go up if cargo must be trucked to or from Puget Sound.

It’s unknown if the subsidy will be enough to retain Hanjin. But The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/8Q6aYO ) that Port executive director Bill Wyatt warned commissioners there was no chance of keeping the carrier without the incentive.